Table and bench construction

ABSTRACT

A patio-type table and bench unit comprising a pair of base members nestable in crossed interlocked relation with each other. Each base member including opposed spaced upwardly directed table supports and relatively lower upwardly directed seat supports outwardly spaced in relation to the table supports. A table top engages on and is secured to the table supports of the combined base members and a table top encircling seat is supported on and secured to the combined seat supports. Each base member is formed as a single unit and configured so as to almost completely avoid any interference with the seating of persons on the surrounding seat about the table top. A pipe section can also be incorporated into the table for the selective reception of an umbrella or the like.

United States Patent [72] Inventors Melvin E. Schupbach;

Elmer J. Schupbach; Edward L. Boyden,

Fenton, Mich. I21 1 Appl. No. 788,123 [22] Filed Dec.31, 1968 [45] Patented Mar. 30, 1971 [7 3] Assignee Schupbach Bros, Inc.

[54] TABLE AND BENCH CONSTRUCTION 10 Claims, 6 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl 297/157, 297/442 [51] Int. Cl A47b 3/06, A4 7b 7/00 [50] Field of Search 297/442, 157; 108/153, 157, 159

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,940,117 12/1933 Carpos 108/157 2,456,111 12/1948 Creech 2,713,889 7/1955 White.....

ABSTRACT: A patio-type table and bench unit comprising a pair of base members nestable in crossed interlocked relation with each other. Each base member including opposed spaced upwardly directed table supports and relatively lower upwardly directed seat supports outwardly spaced in relation to the table supports. A table top engages on and is secured to the table supports of the combined base members and a table top encircling seat is supported on and secured to the combined seat supports. Each base member is formed as a single unit and configured so as to almost completely avoid any interference with the seating of persons on the surrounding seat about the table top. A pipe section can also be incorporated into the table for the selective reception of an umbrella or the like.

PATENIEU mamsn 3Q 572,82d

SHEET 2 OF 2 Fig-4 Mall/m E. Schupbach E/merk]. Schupbach Edward L. Boyden INVENTORS TABLE AND BENCH CONSTRUCTION The instant invention is generally concerned with table and bench units, and more particularly relates to a precast sectional unit which incorporates intemested crossed base members for the support of a central table top and a surrounding seat.

One of the primary objects of the instant invention resides in the provision of a unique construction which is particularly adapted to have the components thereof precast, normally in concrete, so as to enable a selective assembly of the components into a highly stable, attractive and functionally desirable patio-type unit.

Another significant object of the instant invention resides in the provision of a construction which enables the simplified formation of an outdoor-type picnic table and bench combination of substantial weight and stability, such being particularly desirable in public picnic areas and the like so as to discourage the vandalizing or stealing thereof. This construction, being effected through the utilization of sectional components, can, notwithstanding the substantial weight of the finished product, be easily produced and assembled.

Likewise, the unique sectional construction contemplated in the instant invention is also of significance in providing a collapsible table, normally formed of a lighter weight structurally stable plastic material than conventional concrete,

which can, as an example, be disassembled after the picnic season has passed and stored in a compact flat condition.

Other objects of the instant inventionreside in the provision of a durable unit having the base unit, which is common to both the table top and the bench, so configured as to provide substantially no interference to the use of the device, the completed unit incorporating. as an additional feature, anumbrella support utilized to directly engage the umbrella shaft with the table, thus providing a highly stable support for the umbrella itself.

Basically, the objects of the instant invention are derived from the, provision of a structure including a pair of separately formed interlocking base members orientatable at90" to each other and incorporating pairs of upwardly directed table and bench supports for the reception of a table top and encircling seat, the interconnected base members including a locking notch provided centrally therein for the reception of an umbrella supporting pipe, these base members additionally being contoured so as to not interfere with the use of the unit notwithstanding the integral nature of the table and bench sup ports.

These together with objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the table and bench construction comprising the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially on a plane passing along line 2-2 of H6. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the table and bench construction;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the components, illustrating the sectional nature of the construction;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view, on a reduced scale, illustrating a releasable form of fastening means available for use between the components, particularly when formed of a relatively lightweight structure material; and

H0. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional detail through a table support and overlying table top wherein a releasable fastener is utilized.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, the reference numeral 10 is used to generally designatethe table and bench unit or construction comprising the instant invention. This unit l0 includes a table top 12, a bench ring or seat M, and a base 16 formed of two nesting base members 18 and 20, all of these components being precast or preformed as individual elements for selective assembly into the complete combination table and bench unit 10.

Referring specifically to the base 16, it will be noted that the two base members 18 and 20 are substantial duplicates of each other in that each is in the nature of a relatively thin slab of hard material, normally concrete, formed so as to include a vertically extending central trunk or body 22 having a pair of upper diametrically opposed outwardly flared table supports 24 and a pair of diametrically opposed outwardly located lower seat supports 26. Each of the table supports 24 includes a relatively wide support head 26 including a flat table receiving top edge 30. The enlarged head 28, in each case, is integrally engaged with the body 22 through a relatively narrow neck portion 32 defined by a dish-shaped inner edge 34 and a downwardly and inwardly curving outer edge 36 which, as it approaches the body 22, continues vertically downward therealong so as to provide a substantially vertical edge along the central portion of the body 22. This edge 36, toward the lower portion of the body 22, arcs downwardly and outwardly, and terminates vertically so as to form a vertical inner edge on the seat support 26 immediately below the slightly widened or elongated head 38 thereon which is provided with a flat top or edge 44 receiving the seat 14. As will possible be best appreciated from FIG. 2, the configuration of the opposed edges 36 is such so as to remove substantially all obstacles to an occupant of the seat 14 in the vicinity of the corresponding support member, 18 or 20, the particularly significant features of the configuration of the edges 36 being the sharp inward sweeping thereof immediately below the table receiving heads 28, and the vertical extension thereof immediately below the seat 14, together with the low profile defined by the bottom concave portion between each seat support 26 and the body 22.

The outer edge 42 of each seat support 26 in turn angles or slopes downwardly and inwardly from the outer edge of the seat receiving surface 40 so as to provide in effect an undercut portion so as to not to interfere with the feet of one standing close to the outer edgeof the bench. The engagement of each of the base members 18 and 20 with the ground is effected through a pair of spaced flat elongated bottom edges M, each extending inwardly from the lower end of the outer edge 42 of the seat support 26 and terminating in approximate vertical alignment with the vertical portion of the edge 36 which defines the adjacent side of the body 22, an upwardly relieved or concave edge portion 46 extending between the two ground engaging flat bottom edge portions 44 of each base member, thus providing in effect space supports for purposes of stability, particularly on slightly irregular surfaces. The width of each base member 18 and 20 from below each seat supporting head 38 to the lower adjacent portion of the central trunk or body 22 is generally constant, providing for a relatively low profile along the ground which, while providing the necessary stability to the outwardly offset seat supports, can be easily straddled or stepped over by an occupant of the seat 14. With continued reference to FIG. 2, it should be appreciated that the maximum width of each of the seat supporting heads 38 is tobe the width of the seat 14 itself. with regard to the elongated table supporting heads 28, it is contemplated that such be offset slightly inward from the adjoining edge of the table top 12 so as to provide for completely clear edge. However, it will be of course be appreciated that this in no way affects the positive support of the table top 12, particularly in view of the relatively elongated nature of the table supporting heads 2%, the load of the superimposed table top 12 being effectively transferred to the body 22 and from the body 22 to the lower support edges 44 by the integrally formed curved transition areas.

With reference to FIG. 4 in particular, it will be noted that the base members 18 and 20 differ from each other in that the base member 18 includes an elongated slot 48 extending vertically downward centrally through the body 22 from the upper end thereof, while the member 20 includes a generally similar slot 50 extending vertically upward centrally through the body 22 from the lower end thereof. These slots 48 and 50 are each of a width slightly greater than the thickness of the members 18 and 20 and are of a length so as to receive the unslotted portion of the other member, thereby enabling a positive internesting of the base members 18 and 20 with the four table supports and the four seat supports 26 aligning with each other.

The only other difference existing between the two base members 18 and 20 resides in the configuration of the notches 52 and 54 provided respectfully at the upper ends of the bodies 22 of the members 18 and 20. The notch 52 actually consists of two undercut portions defined to the opposed sides of the upwardly opening slot 48, these undercut portions defining a pair of opposed inwardly directed overhanging lips 56. The notch 54, on the contrary, includes vertical sides and in effect extends straight into the body 22 of the base member 2th centrally into the unslotted upper end of the body 22. These notches 52 and 54 are specifically defined so as to relatively loosely receive an internally threaded nut 58 which, subsequent to an assembly of thebase members 18 and 20, can be tipped slightly and inserted under the overhanging edges 56 which act so as to retain the nut 58 against a straight vertical withdrawal. This nut 58 in turn threadedly receives the externally threaded lower end of a hollow pipe or pipe section 60, the upper externally threaded end portion of which projects through a central opening 62 defined in the table top 12 and receives a clamping nut 64 threaded thereon. The upper nut 64 acts so as to upwardly draw the pipe 60 and firmly engage the pipe mounted lower nut 58 against the overhanging lips 56, thereby not only assisting in downwardly clamping the table top 12, but also rigidly fixing the pipe 60 in position, this pipe being specifically provided for the reception of an umbrella shaft. As will be appreciated, a slight modification of the umbrella shaft might be necessary so as to firmly engage the shaft within the pipe 60. However, this can be easily effected, by, as an example, taping the lower end of the shaft to fit snugly Within the pipe 60. Further, it will be appreciate that the pipe 60, locked directly to the base 16, provides a positive support for an umbrella with the entire weight of the table and bench unit acting to resist any tendency for the umbrella to tip.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that a unique sectional table and bench unit or construction has been defined. While not necessarily limited thereto, it is contemplated that when the components are formed of poured concrete or a similar heavy pourable material, these components, upon assembly, be permanently interlocked. This can be effected by providing an appropriate epoxy or mortaring compound within the intemesting slots 48 and 50, as well as on the seat supporting edges and the table top supporting edges 30 as the components are assembled.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, it should also be appreciated that the instant invention contemplates the construction of the components out of an appropriate lightweight structural plastic which, while providing the necessary structural stability for a home unit as compared to those at a public facility, is of a substantially reduced weight capable of being easily disassembled in a flat condition of winter storage. In such instances, the components will be formed in the same manner described supra with the primary difference, other than of course the material itself, being in the use of releasable fasteners between the components. One such fastening means contemplated is opposed strips 66 and 68 of hook and eye bearing nylon material, such as for example Velcro or the like, applied to opposed portions of the components which are to contact each other in the assembled unit. In this regard, it will be noted that the strips 68 have been applied to the upper supporting edges of both the table supports 24 and the seat supports 26, while the mating strips 66 have been applied or mounted on the underlying surface of the table top 12 and bench 14 at four points thereabout corresponding to the orientation of the table and seat supports. Inasmuch as the construction of FIGS. 5 and 6, is, in the details of the configuration and orientation of the components, like that described supra, like reference numerals have been applied for purposes of illustration.

In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that a highly unique combination table and bench construction has been defined which, incidently, is equally adaptable for use in forming adult, child or even miniature equipment. This construction is sectional in nature whereby the components are individually formed and either permanently or releasably assembled into a highly rigid convenient and attractive unit. it should be appreciated that while a circular table top and a annular seat have been illustrated, the principles of the invention are equally adaptable to other table and seat configurations, for example, oval or hexagonal. Likewise, because of the poured nature of the components, various finishes can be incorporated therein or applied thereto during the actual formation of the components. Finally, as will be appreciated from H0. 3, the illustrated form of the invention has the inner diameter of the seat ring slightly greater than the outer diameter of the table top whereby the seat ring can be mounting subsequent to the mounting of the table top. However, if so desired, the table top can be enlarged or extended, this merely requiring that the seat ring be mounted prior to the table top.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

We claim:

l. A table and bench unit comprising a table top, a top surrounding seat, and a central base, said base including a pair of interlockable one-piece base members positionable in crossing relation at approximately to each other, each base member including a pair of upwardly projecting table supports positionable to the opposite sides of the other base member so as to define four table supports oriented at approximately 90 for the reception and support of said table top, each base member also including a pair of upwardly projecting seat supports for the reception and support of said seat about said top, each of said seat supports being located outward of, below and in substantially the same vertical plane as one of the table supports so as to define four seat supports at approximately 90, each of said base members being fiat and including a central vertical body, the associated table supports flaring upwardly and outwardly in opposite directions from the upper end of said body, the associated seat supports projecting vertically in outwardly spaced generally parallel relation to said body to the opposite sides thereof, and a generally horizontal portion extending between and interconnecting the lower end of each seat support with the lower end of the body, said generally horizontal portion having a ground engaging lower edge.

2. The unit of claim 1 wherein a first one of said base members has a vertical slot extending inwardly from the upper end of said body for approximately half the height of said body, the second of said base members having a vertical slot in said body projecting inwardly from the lower end thereof and extending approximately one-half the height of the body, each of said slots being of a width so as to accommodate the body of the other base member whereby an intemesting of said slots and the adjoining portions of the bodies can be effected, resulting in a crossed coplanar orientation of the upper end lower ends of said base members.

3. The unit of claim 2 wherein each of said table supports includes a longitudinally elongated support head at the upper end thereof for the reception of the table top thereon.

d. The unit of claim 3 wherein each member has a pair of side edges, each of said side edges being common to the table support, the body and the seat support and extending sharply inward from the outer upper limit of one of the table supports so as to define the outer edge thereof, vertically along the corresponding side of the body to the lower end portion thereof so as to define the outer edge of the body, laterally outward to the seat support, and vertically upward along the inner side of the corresponding seat support so as to define the inner edge thereof.

5. The unit of claim 4 wherein the outer edge of each seat support slopes downwardly andiinwardly.

6. The unit of claim 5 wherein each of the base member bodies includes a notch defined in the upper end thereof for the seated reception of an internallythreaded pipe receiving nut, one of said notches including overhanging nut retaining lip means, and a vertically elongated pipe threadedly receivable within a notch mounted nut for projection centrally and vertically upward from the crossed base members.

7. The construction of claim 6 including releasable fastening means selectively securing the table top and the seat respectively to the upper ends of the table supports and the upper ends of the seat supports.

8. The unit of claim 1 wherein each member has a pair of side edges, each of said side edges being common to the table support, the body and the seat support and extending sharply inward from the outer upper limit of one of the table supports so as to define the outer edge thereof, vertically along the corresponding side of the body to the lower end portion thereof so as to define the outer edge of the body, laterally outward to the seat support, and vertically upward along the inner side of the corresponding seat support so as to define the inner edge thereof.

9. A table and bench unit comprising a table top, a seat, and a base, said base including a pair of base members positionable in crossing relation at approximately 90 to each other, each base member including a pair of upwardly projecting table supports positionable to the opposite sides of the other base member for the reception and support of said table top, each base member also including a pair of upwardly projecting seat supports for the reception and support of said seat, each of said seat supports being located outward of, below and in opposite directions from the upper end of said body, the associated seat supports projecting vertically in outwardly spaced generally parallel relation'to said body to the opposite sides thereof, and, a generally horizontal portion extending between and interconnecting the lower end of each seat support with the lower end of the body, each of the base member bodies including a notch defined in the upper end thereof for the seated reception of an internally threaded pipe receiving nut, one of said notches including overhanging nut retaining lip means, and a vertically elongated pipe threaded receivable within a notch mounted nut for projection centrally and vertically upward from the crossed base members.

10. A table and a bench unit comprising a base, said base including a vertically elongated body, a plurality of table supports projecting generally radially outward from the upper end portion of said body at equally spaced points thereabout, a table top supported horizontally on said table supports, a plurality of seat supports positioned radially outward from the lower portion of said body at spaced points thereabout corresponding with the orientation of the table supports, said scat supports being located laterally outwardly of said table supports and in spaced relation therebelow, the lower end of said body being elevated, connecting portions extending between the lower elevated end of said body and the individual seat supports, said connecting portions each including an elongated generally horizontal ground engaging section, a seat resting on and supported by said seat supports about said table top, said base being defined by a pair of crossed base members, each base member including a pair of said table supports and a pair of said seat supports, and a hollow pipe section affixed centrally to the upper end of said base body and projecting vertically therefrom through said table top. 

1. A table and bench unit comprising a table top, a top surrounding seat, and a central base, said base including a pair of interlockable one-piece base members positionable in crossing relation at approximately 90* to each other, each base member including a pair of upwardly projecting table supports positionable to the opposite sides of the other base member so as to define four table supports oriented at approximately 90* for the reception and support of said table top, each base member also including a pair of upwardly projecting seat supports for the reception and support of said seat about said top, each of said seat supports being located outward of, below and in substantially the same vertical plane as one of the table supports so as to define four seat supports at approximately 90*, each of said base members being flat and including a central vertical body, the associated table supports flaring upwardly and outwardly in opposite directions from the upper end of said body, the associated seat supports projecting vertically in outwardly spaced generally parallel relation to said body to the opposite sides thereof, and a generally horizontal portion extending between and interconnecting the lower end of each seat support with the lower end of the body, said generally horizontal portion having a ground engaging lower edge.
 2. The unit of claim 1 wherein a first one of said base members has a vertical slot extending inwardly from the upper end of said body for approximately half the height of said body, the second of said base members having a vertical slot in said body projecting inwardly from the lower end thereof and extending approximately one-half the height of the body, each of said slots being of a width so as to accommodate the body of the other base member whereby an internesting of said slots and the adjoining portions of the bodies can be effected, resulting in a crossed coplanar orientation of the upper end lower ends of said base members.
 3. The unit of claim 2 wherein each of said table supports includes a longitudinally elongated support head at the upper end thereof for the reception of the table top thereon.
 4. The unit of claim 3 wherein each member has a pair of side edges, each of said side edges being common to the table support, the body and the seat support and extending sharply inward from the outer upper limit of one of the table supports so as to define the outer edge thereof, vertically along the corresponding side of the body to the lower end portion thereof so as to define the outer edge of the body, laterally outward to the seat support, and vertically upward along the inner side of the corresponding seat support so as to define the inner edge thereof.
 5. The unit of claim 4 wherein the outer edge of each seat support slopes downwardly and inwardly.
 6. The unit of claim 5 wherein each of the base member bodies includes a notch defined in the upper end thereof for the seated reception of an internally threaded pipe receiving nut, one of said notches including overhanging nut retaining lip means, and a vertically elongated pipe threadedly receivable within a notch mounted nut for projection centrally and vertically upward from the crossed base members.
 7. The construction of claim 6 including releasable fastening means selectively securing the table top and the seat respectively to the upper ends of the table supports and the upper ends of the seat supports.
 8. The unit of claim 1 wherein each member has a pair of side edges, each of said side edges being common to the table support, the body and the seat support and extending sharply inward from the outer upper limit of one of the table supports so as to define the outer edge thereof, vertically along the corresponding side of the body to the lower end portion thereof so as to define the outer edge of the body, laterally outward to the seat support, and vertically upward along the inner side of the corresponding seat support so as to define the inner edge thereof.
 9. A table and bench unit comprising a table top, a seat, and a base, said base including a pair of base members positionable in crossing relation at approximately 90* to each other, each base member including a pair of upwardly projecting table supports positionable to the opposite sides of the other base member for the reception and support of said table top, each base member also including a pair of upwardly projecting seat supports for the reception and support of said seat, each of said seat supports being located outward of, below and in substantially the same vertical plane as one of the table supports each of said base members including a vertical body, the associated table supports flaring upwardly and outwardly in opposite directions from the upper end of said body, the associated seat supports projecting vertically in outwardly spaced generally parallel relation to said body to the opposite sides thereof, and a generally horizontal portion extending between and interconnecting the lower end of each seat support with the lower end of the body, each of the base member bodies including a notch defined in the upper end thereof for the seated reception of an internally threaded pipe receiving nut, one of said notches including overhanging nut retaining lip means, and a vertically elongated pipe threaded receivable within a notch mounted nut for projection centrally and vertically upward from the crossed base members.
 10. A table and a bench unit comprising a base, said base including a vertically elongated body, a plurality of table supports projecting generally radially outward from the upper end portion of said body at equally spaced points thereabout, a table top supported horizontally on said table supports, a plurality of seat supports positioned radially outward from the lower portion of said body at spaced points thereabout corresponding with the orientation of the table supports, said seat supports being located laterally outwardly of said table supports and in spaced relation therebelow, the lower end of said body being elevated, connecting portions extending between the lower elevated end of said body and the individual seat supports, said connecting portions each including an elongated generally horizontal ground engaging section, a seat resting on and supported by said seat supports about said table top, said base being defined by a pair of crossed base members, each base member including a pair of said table supports and a pair of said seat supports, and a hollow pipe section affixed centrally to the upper end of said base body and projecting vertically therefrom through said table top. 